Master Farmer Dave Downs talks about past, present, future

Dave Downs, 58, of Allerton was named by Prairie Farmer Magazine in July as one of four 2007 Master Farmers. He farms in Champaign, Edgar and Vermilion counties with his brother, Jim, and son, Doug. The Allerton-based Downs family also includes his wife, Janece, son Rob, a Chicago area banker, and Doug's wife, Dawn, and daughter, Samantha.

His parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Downs, are residents of Savoy and Florida.

Also on this date

• After expansion, Frances Nelson clinic still has waiting list
• Christie gets active in economic development
• Researchers monitor cardinals' activity by listening to songs
• New administrator connecting UI to the outside and vice versa
• A lesson on the new Urbana school leaders
• Former Georgetown man drowns during outing
• Two arrested in Champaign bank heist
• Rantoul Wal-Mart plans grand opening Wednesday
• Obituaries

» More